UK aid from DFID to Africa rises – but aid to Asia rises faster

The UK reached 0.7% of national income as aid last year: the UK Department for International Development’s bilateral aid contribution increased by over a third – or £1.5 billion – between 2012 and 2013. But where did this aid go?

Africa continued to receive the most DFID bilateral aid in 2013, some 38.4% of the total. Aid to Africa reached £2.3 billion, up 13.5% (£279 million) on 2012. But developing parts of Asia saw the largest percentage increase in 2013, up 55.9% to £1.7 billion. This compares with just over £1 billion in 2012, and Asia now accounts for 27.7% of DFID bilateral aid.

DFID aid to other world regions increased by 12%, but levels are very low: developing parts of the Americas received £56 million in 2013, the Pacific region received £3 million, and Europe almost no aid.

Some £2 billion of DFID bilateral aid in 2013 cannot be allocated to a specific region or country: a third of the total. While this is up £662 million on 2012, the 2013 figures are provisional, so the final figure due in October 2014 may be lower.

Unlike in previous years’ releases, no figures were presented for aid to sub-Saharan Africa. These should be made available as part of the DAC 2013 release expected this month. Regional breakdowns for other aid-providing departments were also not published. These are now expected in October.